San Antonio: Texas Anti Gang Unit getting millions in state grant funding
Published: Wed, 08/16/23
Texas Anti Gang Unit getting millions in state grant funding
San Antonio City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda from District 6 says, “This is free money. We're getting grant money. That doesn't come out of the city budget.”
(SBG Photo)
News4SA
by Mariza Mendoza
SAN ANTONIO - Millions of dollars in state grant funds are headed to the Texas Anti-Gang program, also known as the TAG unit. State officials say there are more than 100,000 gang members in the state of Texas at any given time. They say this $6.5 million dollar state grant should help law enforcement share information better with each other.
San Antonio City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda from District 6 says, “This is free money. We're getting grant money. That doesn't come out of the city budget.”
Councilwoman Havrda is excited to see the state grant funding put to work.
"Making sure that our public is safe, that they see the work out there being done to prevent gang violence," says councilwoman Havrda.
Sgt. Washington Moscoso with the San Antonio Police Department says, "Money will be used for equipment, training."
Sgt. Moscoso says that’s where some of the money will be deployed. The TAG program is made up of local, state, and federal agents working together to provide better information about gang activity in the city.
"That information sharing between agencies just allows for quicker response and more coordinated response," Sgt. Moscoso.
Law enforcement officials say gangs are known to commit crimes that include drug activity, robberies, and human trafficking.
The new grant funding may also go towards gang prevention programs in schools.
"There are adults that are part of gangs. Maybe they're trying to figure a way to get out," says councilwoman Havrda.
The state TAG grant is scheduled to go before council on August 31st. That’s when we expect to hear how the city will spend the money on equipment, training, and communication.
The $6.5 million grant is for one year set to start on September 1st 2023.